in Norse mythology, is probably akin to Elfkonig, the ruler of the ethereal beings which are called elves (q.v.). He is not dangerous to grown persons, but often abducts children of Christians before they are baptized, not from any evil motive, but because he takes a great joy in them, and because the elves generally glory in coming into contact with human beings. He is represented as an unusually large, bearded man, with a shining crown and a wide, trailing mantle.